Butorac, new US Open director: Experience and leadership in tennis

Eric Butorac Takes Over as US Open Director

Former player Eric Butorac will take the reins of the US Open as tournament director, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) announced on Monday. Butorac replaces Stacey Allaster in the role. Butorac has been serving as the senior director of player relations and commercial development for the USTA. In addition, he was the tournament director for this year’s new US Open mixed doubles event.

“This is, in many ways, a dream come true and the culmination of my life and career in tennis,” expressed Butorac.

Eric Butorac

During his career as a professional tennis player, Butorac competed for 14 years, reaching the top 20 in the ATP doubles ranking. He stood out as a doubles finalist at the Australian Open in 2014. Also, Butorac was president of the ATP player council. His incorporation into the USTA occurred in 2016, and in 2022 he was the tournament director of the Cincinnati Open.

“Eric has been instrumental in strengthening the US Open experience for both players and fans, and his leadership, vision, and passion for the game make him the ideal person to guide the next chapter of the tournament’s success,” said Brian Vahaly, interim co-CEO of the USTA.

Brian Vahaly, interim co-CEO of the USTA

Allaster took over as US Open director in 2020, becoming the first woman to hold this position in the history of the tournament, which was first held in 1881. Allaster has worked at the USTA since 2016 and was previously president and CEO of the WTA women’s professional tennis circuit. Allaster will continue in her role as Chief Executive of Professional Tennis at the USTA until May, before transitioning to an advisory role within the organization.